Oral Health Tobacco Program

The Office of Oral Health Tobacco Education Program provides training to dental professionals and dental students emphasizing the oral health manifestations of tobacco use, and provides an evidence based system for cessation interventions in the dental office. The office offers a free online training and provides CEU’s to professionals licensed by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners.

Tobacco Use & Oral Health

While many people are aware that tobacco use can impact overall health, some might not realize the effects it can have on oral health.

Tobacco use is responsible for at least 50% of gum or periodontal disease.

Smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers.

Dental caries (cavities) can be caused from the sugar in chewing tobacco, and are increased in children who are chronically exposed to secondhand smoke.

Tobacco use can cause tooth abrasion, stain, and shifting. It is linked to implant failure, and slow healing after tooth extraction or oral surgery.

Tobacco & Oral Cancer

Approximately 45,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral/pharyngeal cancer this year.

It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing about 1 person per hour, 24 hours a day.

Just over half of those diagnosed will survive beyond 5 years.

Tobacco use is the number one risk factor in individuals over 50 years of age.

Those who combine tobacco and heavy use of alcohol have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer than others.